I got home from a trip to the coast today. I ended up going towards Jacksonville, NC only to be told that the problem I was going to troubleshoot was a Road Runner cable modem problem in the whole region. So, I went to Wilmington, NC, instead. There was a problem with TV Guide network in Wilmington. The technician there fixed the problem before I got there, as I found out after getting there. It took some prompting on my part last night as a reminder, but it was done. Then, I went to the Wilmington office for Time Warner Cable AdCast. They are having a problem with one phone line on their phone system. I know NOTHING about office phone systems. That has always been a troubling thing to me. I am expected to troubleshoot things I have never had training for. I am expected to take the time to learn systems in minutes. Then, I am belittled if I didn't take the hours necessary to comprehend the systems.
It would be one thing if this system was in my local office and I wasn't traveling over two hours one way to look at it then travel home. That's a half day just in travel time, not to mention all my other duties for the day. But, that is the company philosophy. Don't bother getting some expert in to fix stuff...try to do it yourself, hose it up, then call in an expert. If I had a whole day to play and experiment, then maybe I wouldn't feel so adverse to the concept. I can figure a good many things out, but it usually takes a little time, trial, and error.

I talked to a good friend of mine today. Tony Conti is another northern transplant here in NC. He is from Rhode Island (where the state motto is "We're Not Really An Island"). Tony is a tall, slender, bald Italian. He's in his fifties, and a Christian brother. I have a soft spot in my heart for Tony. I understand all the trials he has been going through with his family lately. I am perhaps the only person he knows who may be able to relate from first hand experience.
Tony and I have been through a lot together, or at least seen a lot together. We were both abused by the same "spiritual leader", but have both come out the wiser.
We always make plans to do stuff together, but they seldom work out. I do enjoy his company when we can get together, though.
If you are reading this, I encourage you to pray for Tony, since he is going through a lot of struggles with family right now.

Second entry
Sort of makes me feel like the end of every "Doogie Houser, MD" episode.

First entry
For quite a while now, I have thought about starting a blog. I knew that my Tripod account would have one available. After a chat with one of my best friends, Rich Soczewinski, I decided to give it a whirl.

I grew up with Rich in Franklin, New Hampshire. He is the only person I went all through elementary school, junior high, and high school with that I keep touch with. I have known Rich for almost 30 years now.

Hey, Rich...if you are reading this, I want you to know that to me, you ARE my brother.